This is a short post.
“Lazarus” the Cheap Yamaha RBX170 Kicks Butt
I am enjoying the heck out of “Lazarus” the blue Yamaha RBX170 that plays so fine.
It cost $25. Minor repairs, new strings, two strap pins and a minor setup in Chicago’s northwest side cost another $80.
But it’s very light, almost like a guitar, and it sounds so good.
Why Does my Yamaha RBX170 Kick Butt with the Justin Guitar App ?
For almost two years I have used the Justin Guitar App to learn guitar, and now I use it to play bass.
I learned that if you play bass, just play the root note on any guitar song and it will sound OK. Sounds simple but it works.
Today I fired up my Justin Guitar App and began playing songs I have never tried before with my Yamaha. I even played songs I had never even heard about. Here are some of the songs.
Old favorites:
- Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix
- Heart of Gold by Neil Young
- Perfect by Ed Sheeran
- Hey Jude by the Beatles
New songs I just played and played:
- Have you Ever Seen the Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Mad World by Tears for Fears
- Take it Easy by the Eagles
- Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
- …and so many more
Somehow, tonight, after owning the Yamaha RBX170 for about a week, every song I tried in the Justin Guitar App seemed easier to play. The Yamaha is lighter to hold (not huge like other electric basses) and easy to fret with its great neck.
So yes, my 2004 Yamaha RBX170 kicked butt tonight.
“Don’t tell my other electric basses. But I think I like my $25 twenty year old Yamaha RBX170 the best of my basses. Please, if my other basses know, they will get jealous.” – Shoshin Guitarist (and Bassist)
This $25 Yamaha Bass was a Great Cheap/Great Buy
This Yamaha RBX170 was such a great purchase, it needs to be considered as a Hidden Gem Budget Guitar or Bass that Delivers
Amazing Value .
The Yamaha RBX170 Costs $150-$250 on the Used Market
But mine cost $25.
If you see one, lift it up easily with one hand, and play it. It sounds just fine for a beginner bass player like me. Or maybe, it sounds just fine for any bass player.
Just read Jake Wildwood’s Review on the Yamaha RBX170.
These are practical, sturdy, good-sounding, and good-playing (after adjustments) basses that make nice first, second, third, or thirtieth instruments for their owners. – Jake Wildwood
Jake Wildwood is a luthier working in Vermont, USA on older acoustic, electric guitars, and electric basses. He mainly does acoustic repairs.
When Jake says an instrument is good. It’s best you listen and respect his good advice.
My Yamaha RBX170 is a light, guitar-like electric bass, that is fun to play and makes very good sounds.
Thanks For Reading about my “Kick Butt” Yamaha RBX170 Today
If you own one of these hidden gem basses, leave a comment. Thanks.